Hello! Looks like you’re here because you’re interested in learning how to start your own pinned insect collection! I have been collecting bugs for over a decade now and would love to share some resources with you. In this post, I have outlined the supplies you need to get started, as well as shared a bunch of tutorials and threw in some of my own tips.
Tutorials & Reading Material…
I have yet to come upon a site that I’ve found to answer all my questions or guide me completely. Here are a few videos with great instructions –
▼ A video on relaxing and pinning a butterfly.
▼ Another great video on pinning insects.
▼ How to put together a relaxing chamber or if you prefer something a bit more concise, here’s another video on putting together a relaxing chamber!
▼ Preparing insect specimens for exhibit – an excellent comprehensive source for those who would rather read everything about starting an insect collection instead of watching a video about it!
▼ Very short instructions on bug pinning but with useful information on where to place pins.
I found it beneficial to read and watch a lot of different tutorials before getting started. Everyone has their own methods they like, use and trust and it’s a good idea to read about pinning from lots of sources so you can develop your own methods.
When I was first getting started with my insect collection something I found quite useful was to do a quick Google search of whatever insect I was pinning to see what a natural position to pin it in would be. (Just search pinned plus the kind of insect (for example “pinned grasshopper”.) Of course, you’re free to pin your insect’s legs in any position you’d like but I found it helpful in the beginning to at least have an idea of what to replicate as I was learning.
Supplies needed to get started building a pinned insect collection…
▼ a spreading board. As the name implies, this is the surface you’ll be using to spread your insects on. This one is great if you’re planning on pinning lots of insects at the same time. This one is really all you need to get started though.
▼ insect pins. Pins come in a variety of sizes but the most common sizes you’ll need to use are #2 and #3. These are the pins I use.
▼ wax paper. If you’re working with insects whose wings you’ll be spreading you’ll need something to keep them down since you never stick a pin through a wing.
▼ killing jars. You obviously don’t need a killing jar if you’re only going to be working with already deceased insects you find but if you do plan on capturing your own live insects to pin you’ll need a place to kill them quickly so they don’t get damaged.
▼ insect pinning forceps. When working with butterflies and moths you want to keep the amount of handling wings low to minimize the chance of damage. Having a smaller, more delicate pair of forceps can be nice too!
▼ shadow boxes. You’re going to need some way to display your insects after they’ve dried. I’ve purchased these shadow boxes for my insect collection a few times. (They can be seen featured in a lot of the photos in this post.) If you’re looking for something a bit larger, I also own these shadow boxes as well.
▼ relaxing chamber. In order for your insects to be soft and ready to spread without breaking you’re going to need to re-hydrate them. NMSU has a great video with instructions on setting up a relaxing chamber. Don’t worry, it’s super easy. I’ve found that using a bento box is *the* way to go – keeps my damp sponge and insects separate! See below for my setup.
▼ eyelash glue. Inevitably, one of your specimens will lose a leg. Eyelash glue is a lifesaver! This little tip took me years to figure out but now that I know, I’d recommend picking some up right off the bat. Please don’t use the same one you’re using on your face, buy one specifically for this purpose only.
Where to find insects…
There are insects everywhere, and neat ones too! You just have to keep your eyes peeled. It’s amazing how easy it is to overlook them. Tell your friends and family you’re starting a collection so they can keep an eye out as well. Even in the dead of winter, you may be able to find new specimens to pin – try looking around your windowsills for flies or ladybugs.
All of the insects in my collection have been found by me or my family. I take a lot of pleasure in knowing that but there’s absolutely nothing wrong with buying specimens as well. There are many places to buy insects ready to rehydrate and pin online. If you’re looking to support a small business, check out Kat’s Bug Boutique! They have tons of butterflies, and beautiful beetles ready to rehydrate and mount.
Even more places to find insects – Clover Butterfly Co, Bizzare Bugs, LittleLaurenArts (really great beetle selection!) & Little Caterpillar Art.
Killing bugs…
If you’re going to be using any specimens that haven’t already been found deceased they need to be put to sleep quickly. Insects, especially moths and butterflies, will thrash their wings causing damage that you don’t want. This is where a killing jar comes in handy. These jars have a small vial attached to the lid in which is a cotton ball you soak with ethyl acetate (nail polish remover!) This kills the insects quickly.
Because my collecting is mostly done at home, my method of choice is the freezer. I have lots of small jars which I use to collect insects inside of, those then get placed into the freezer until I’m ready to pin them. It’s quick so they don’t cause any damage to themselves and I don’t have to use any chemicals.
One final tip – something I started doing last year was labeling my shadow boxes. I use my cricut to cut out adhesive black vinyl that I stick on the bottom inside of my frames.
Good luck & have fun! xoxo!
